How old is too old to be in crib?

Mrs.Guz

Abigail will be 3 in just a few months, and still in the crib. She has never tried to escape or shown any interest in wanting out (other than when she doesn't want to sleep). Our plan was to just move her when we had another baby, but doesn't seem like that will be anytime soon. She's potty trained now, and wondering if its time to convert the crib to a toddler bed, or is she okay to stay in the crib as long as she's fine with it. Thoughts?

myrall

All due respect, Amanda, but put that kid in a bed! It might actually help with the whole potty thing by reinforcing what a big girl she is.

And she may surprise you. We transitioned Geneva to a real bed about a month after she turned two and she still doesn't really try to get out. On Saturday mornings, we'll sometimes find her just sitting in her bed waiting for us. 

Mrs.Guz

myrall:

All due respect, Amanda, but put that kid in a bed! It might actually help with the whole potty thing by reinforcing what a big girl she is.

And she may surprise you. We transitioned Geneva to a real bed about a month after she turned two and she still doesn't really try to get out. On Saturday mornings, we'll sometimes find her just sitting in her bed waiting for us. 

Thanks Myra! Do you think that it would be to many transitions at once since we JUST potty trained her?  I think she'll do great in a bed, its just been easier keeping her contained. Is that horrible??

myrall

Maybe wait until you have a good month under your belt before you pull the switch. And no, it's not awful to enjoy your peace while you still have it.

AugustaBride04

For what it's worth, we didn't switch Hailey until she turned 3. The girl LOVED her crib and never, ever tried to escape. When we made the switch at 3, it was easy peasy and there was no looking back.  She still stays in her bed when she wakes up and waits for us to get her I know most people make the switch earlier, but you do what works for your family. As long as she is happy and content, don't feel bad she's still in there.  One thing I will say, is to check the height/weight limits on your crib since she is still in it, just to be on the safe side.

slwprincess

I wouldn't go much past 3, but I also don't think it has to be immediate either.  As for keeping her contained, you may be surprised.  Gavin has been in his big boy bed for over a year and still doesn't get out of it in the mornings until I come in to get him.  Put a baby gate on her door if you're worried about nighttime wanderings.

KT&John

We switched Cadence at 32 months. She was starting to try to swing her leg over the rails, but never escaped. We were also expecting Trevor. If it had not been for these 2 factors I may have waited a few more months. She loved her crib too

UGAbride

Just have to say I am super SUPER jealous of y'all whose kids have never escaped their cribs???  My goodness, Jack jumped out and I woke to see him standing 2 inches from my face while I slept when he was 17 months old, and Ethan was about the same.  Our reality is two boys that are swarming all over our bedroom by about 6:30 every.single.morning, and we can't figure out how to keep them either A) in THEIR room, or at least out of OURS! 

emowens

I'm hoping to keep Darren in his til  5 ;-) 

maykat

my pedi kept her son in the crib until he was 4. Aerin has not tried to escape so we are keeping her in for as long as possible.  Alec never tried to escape either.  Not sure why my kids never tried to escape..I was out of my crib at 16 months.

Mrs. Theobald

We switched Ava to a toddler bed a month after her 2nd birthday.  She liked her crib and never tried to climb out but I just thought it was time.  She has done wonderful in the bed.  I told her she is not aloud to get out unless mom or dad came and get her.  She hasn't tried to get out yet.  She just lays in there and plays until we come get her.  In fact, the other morning I went to get her and she said night night (her lovie) is right there.  It had falling out of bed and she didn't even get out to get it.  I think Abigail will surprise you and do very well and I agree with PP that since you are trying to potty train it is probably a good idea to switch her over.